September rail employment up over year ago

Figures released Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, by the Surface Transportation Board show Class I railroads employed 163,237 people in mid-September, up 1.23% from September 2012, but down 183 people, or 0.11%, from the previous month of August.

STB's data was released later than usual, presumably attributable to the partial shutdown of the federal government occurring through much of October.

Four out of six categories gained ground year-over year, including Executives, officials and staff assistants, up 0.37%, Professional and administrative, up 0.40%, Maintenance of way and structures, up 0.45%, and Transportation (train and engine), up 3.08%. Losses occurred in Maintenance of equipment and stores, off 0.49%, and Transportation (other than train and engine), down 1.57%.

The pattern was reversed when mid-September employment was compared with the previous month, with four categories losing ground, including: Executives, officials, and staff assistants, down 0.68%, Professional and administrative, down 2.04%; Transportation (other than train and engine), down 0.91%, and Transportation (train and engine), just missing the breakeven point, slipping 0.1%.

Gaining ground from mid-August were Maintenance of way and structures, up 0.18%, and Maintenance of equipment and stores, up 0.58%.